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Glam Journal

What are the different types of quartz countertops

Author

David Craig

Updated on April 22, 2026

While there are many different styles of quartz countertops, there are three types of quartz countertop finishes: honed, polished, and sueded. To find out what finish looks best in your space, let’s review the different types of quartz countertop finishes.

Is there a difference in quartz countertop quality?

Not even all countertops of like materials are created equal. Quartz countertops come in multiple grades which will be ideal for different locations and conditions depending on what you’re hoping to get out of your countertop. Some are more durable than others while others have more of a shine to them.

What is the least expensive brand of quartz countertop?

Quartz Price Summary Silestone is usually the most expensive but Caesarstone, Zodiaq, and Viatera are cheaper.

What type of quartz countertops are best?

  1. Caesarstone. With over 40 colors readily available in design stores nationwide, Caesarstone is the number one choice in engineered stone. …
  2. Silestone. …
  3. Cambria Quartz. …
  4. LG Viatera. …
  5. Corian Quartz. …
  6. HanStone. …
  7. MSI Q Quartz.

What should I look for when buying quartz countertops?

  • Color consistency.
  • Through body color.
  • Aggregate settling.
  • High quality resin.
  • Consistent polish.
  • Warranty.

Is Wilsonart quartz good quality?

Wilsonart® Quartz exceed the industry’s highest standards for Indoor Air Quality, with UL GREENGUARD Gold Certification for low chemical emissions.

Why is my white quartz turning yellow?

Your white quartz, and other lighter colored quartz, can turn yellow over time. This is usually due to the resins in the manufacturing process. They will react to salts and surfactants over time.

Is Cambria better than other quartz?

If you’re going by sheer material strength, though, Cambria quartz is stronger, as it is comprised of up to 93 percent quartz. Granite countertops average between 40-60 percent quartz, with other softer minerals added. Upkeep: Here’s where quartz takes a definite lead.

Can I use Clorox wipes on quartz?

Most household cleaners you would usually use to do a quick clean with such as Windex, vinegar and Lysol wipes (some of which contain bleach) are not a good idea for quartz countertops. … Vinegar is very acidic and can cause the quartz to discolour or disintegrate.

Is honed or polished quartz better?

Because of its high sheen and reflectiveness, polished quartz has a better ability to hide fingerprints and smudges on its surface than honed surfaces. … On the other hand, seams, chips, scratches, and other imperfections are more noticeable on polished quartz countertops because of the opposite effect.

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What is the difference between Cambria quartz and regular quartz?

Cambria is pure natural quartz and is the extremely hard mineral that gives Cambria its strength. … It is known for its monolithic strength after a manufacturing process that results in an organic stone product of rare beauty and maximum strength, stronger than quartz.

What should you avoid in quartz countertops?

  • Cutting. Quartz countertops are resistant to scratches, but they aren’t scratch-proof. …
  • Chipping. Although Quartz surfaces are chip-resistant, they aren’t chip-proof. …
  • Wax & Polish. …
  • Bleach. …
  • High pH Cleaners. …
  • Cooking Grease. …
  • Permanent Markers. …
  • Solvents & Chemicals.

Is RiverStone quartz good quality?

RiverStone Quartz surfaces are low maintenance and do not require sealing, conditioning or polishing. Its lustrous finish will endure for years. RiverStone has superior scratch, impact and stain resistance when compared to other surfaces like granite.

How much should a slab of quartz cost?

The cost of a good quality quartz countertop ranges between $50 to $65 per square foot, while that of better quartz countertop quality ranges between $65 to $75. Therefore, if you are looking for the best quality quartz countertop, you’re likely to spend between $75 to $150 per square foot.

Does lemon juice damage quartz?

Though quartz will resist permanent staining when exposed to liquids like wine, vinegar, tea, lemon juice, and soda, or fruits and vegetables, it’s important to wipe up spills immediately—before they have a chance to dry. Take care of fresh messes with mild dishwashing detergent and a soft cloth.

Is Magic Eraser safe for quartz?

Magic eraser may also be used to fight tough quartz stains, simply wet the magic eraser and apply in gentle, circular motion. Clean the area thoroughly with water and dry with a clean towel after. … Do not leave any of the solutions on the quartz surface unattended, and always rinse the countertop surface after use.

Can you put a toaster on quartz?

Quartz does poorly with any quick changes in temperature, and is heat resistant up to 300°F (150°C). With appliances like toaster ovens, crock pots, and others that generate heat for long periods, it’s a good idea to have a trivet or heat-resistant mat underneath them.

Can you put a toaster on a quartz countertop?

It is strongly recommended that you use trivets or cutting boards underneath countertop appliances such as crock pots, toaster ovens or electric frying pans and do not place hot or cold pots and pans directly on your countertop surface.

Is Chinese quartz any good?

Chinese Quartz Brands have upwards of 30% resin in their slabs. Too much resin creates issues in itself such as Resin Pooling, but it also creates issues with heat. Too much resin makes the countertops susceptible to melting and scorching.

Is Wilsonart the same as Corian?

Solid Surface material, commonly known as Corian, Swanstone, Staron, Avonite, HI-MACS, LivingStone, and Wilsonart, is a generic term.

Is Wilsonart going out of business?

Wilsonart Flooring is a business unit of Wilsonart International, which is a division of publicly traded Illinois Tool Works. … 29, DiGaetano said the business will officially cease operations on Dec. 3.

Do white quartz countertops stain?

A white countertop can be spectacular. But even a white quartz countertop is vulnerable to staining from products such as red wine, tea, coffee, tomato sauce, and more if it’s not cleaned up right away. … The best way to clean your quartz countertop is with a gentle soap, such as dishwashing liquid.

Does Carrara quartz stain?

Homeowners who choose quartz slabs that resemble the creamy white look of Carrara marble are more likely to see occasional stains, which is why they should wipe down spills immediately.

Is quartz cheaper than granite?

Quartz is a manufactured stone and it is hard to duplicate the veining and pattern look you get from genuine marble or granite. Quartz is approximately 20% to 40% more expensive than granite.

Is Corian quartz really quartz?

Corian® Quartz (formerly Zodiaq® Quartz) was one of the first quartz surfaces on the market, in 2000. Engineered with pure quartz crystals, quartz countertops from Corian® Design let you bring the best of both worlds – nature and science — to your kitchen, bath and throughout your home.

How much does a slab of Cambria quartz cost?

The average cost of Cambria quartz countertops is $55 to $125 per square foot including installation. The price will vary depending on the color and thickness of the quartz slab. Most people spend between $2,000 and $4,000 in total to have Cambria quartz countertops installed.

Which is better Silestone or quartz?

Extremely Durable There are only a few natural materials that are harder and tougher than quartz, so if durability is a top priority, Silestone is an excellent choice. Silestone is what the industry refers to as “almost” scorch resistant, so caution should be used when putting hot pots and pans on them.

What is brushed quartz?

However, in addition, concrete finishes have a soft, velvety texture that many find appealing. Similar to a matte finish, a concrete finish will slightly alter the color of the quartz as compared to the classic polished finish. This finish is also referred to as “brushed” when referring to granite.

Why is my quartz countertop not shiny?

Clean Your Countertops Frequently The polished finish of quartz countertops is permanent. Unless the surface is damaged, the only other reason quartz surfaces may look dull is if they haven’t been cleaned for a while. Keeping your quartz slabs clean is the easiest way to ensure they retain the look of their finish.

Does honed quartz scratch easily?

On the matte surface of honed quartz, smudges easily stand out. A final noteworthy difference between honed and polished quartz appearance-wise is their ability to hide scratches and chips. … Because honed quartz is less polished, you’ll experience the opposite effect and chips will be more easily hidden.

Is Cambria quartz high end?

Cambria is one of the brands of quartz countertops, and it is a high-end option for those interested in quartz. Most quartz countertops are high-end, but Cambria is one of the luxury brands, and people choose Cambria for its performance and attractiveness, not because it is a cheap option.